Kiriana Coleman’s dedication and expertise have seen her rise through the ranks. She is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the Port and overseeing a team of 25 staff.
Kiriana has been integral to LPC since joining as a casual security officer in 2004. She quickly rose through the ranks, taking on roles such as security administrator and coordinator.
After a stint away from the Port, Kiriana was lured back and has since led the Security team as LPC Security Manager for the past five years.
“My role is keeping the Port secure with a team of 25 staff,” says Kiriana.
Kiriana oversees Port security and is also responsible for regulatory compliance with Maritime New Zealand. This involves planning long-term security strategies and following up on security incidents to ensure they are resolved efficiently.
“I am kept informed of any incidents, seek information and partner with key agencies to make decisions – be it trespassing, enabling or disabling access to the Port.”
Kiriana’s approach to security is proactive and strategic. “I am focused on preventing incidents before they occur to ensure the Port remains safe.”
Cruise ship security improvements
One of Kiriana’s notable achievements has been improving security measures for cruise ship passengers.
Recognising the challenges posed by the influx of thousands of passengers returning to the Port following a day out on tourist excursions, Kiriana successfully lobbied for changes to LPC’s security checkpoint procedures.
This resulted in implementing a new system where ID checks for cruise passengers were conducted at a barrier arm near the vessel, streamlining the process and reducing congestion at the main entrance gate.
“This not only improved the efficiency of the security process but enhanced the overall experience for visiting passengers,” says Kiriana.
Kiriana’s commitment to security extends beyond the Port’s physical boundaries. She has been instrumental in fostering connections with external agencies such as New Zealand Customs and New Zealand Police, facilitating joint efforts to enhance security measures.
“This collaboration has been valuable in the current geopolitical climate, where the need for robust security measures is more critical than ever,” she says.
Kiriana has valued professional development programmes offered by LPC, which have allowed her to enhance her leadership skills and advance her career.
As LPC continues to embrace new technologies, Kiriana is excited about the future of security at the Port. She envisions a shift towards more digitised processes and the use of artificial intelligence to enhance security measures.
“I’d like the Port security at Lyttelton to be a best-practice example of somewhere that does it well and does it smart as we move towards more artificial intelligence and tech.”
Kirana’s advice to those looking to join LPC is simple.“Get your foot in the door.” Once you are part of the LPC team, the opportunities to grow and progress are endless.”
Kiriana’s dedication, expertise and forward-thinking approach have made her an invaluable asset to LPC.